Hauser Kaibling and Planai: Two new lifts for faster mountain connections

From the 2025/26 winter season, the popular “ski swing” between Hauser Kaibling and Planai will be raised to a new level of quality with two state-of-the-art lifts. On Hauser Kaibling, a 10-seater gondola lift will replace the previous “Senderbahn”, while on the Planai, the new 8-seater chairlift “Mitterhausalm I” will replace the old Sonneckbahn. Subject to a positive building permit and a declaration of consent from all landowners, construction work will begin in spring 2025 and should be completed in time for the start of the 2025/26 season.

“Senderbahn” becomes a 10-passenger gondola lift

The new 10-seater “Senderbahn Hauser Kaibling” gondola lift from cable car manufacturer Leitner will provide a much faster connection from the Planai to the Hauser Kaibling in future. In less than five minutes, the new lift will take you directly to the transmitter plateau - and you will be just one lift ride away from the highest point of the Schladming 4-Mountain Ski Area. With a transport capacity of 2,400 people per hour and a speed of 6 m/s, the 10-passenger gondola lift from Leitner offers an efficient and comfortable connection.

"The decision to replace the previous 4-seater chairlift with a 10-passenger gondola lift was made due to the topography and the two-minute reduction in travel time. Thanks to its aerodynamic cabin shape, it is less susceptible to wind and offers a significantly more comfortable ride. The ski deposit in the gondola makes it quick and easy to get in and out of the cabin, which is a great relief for families in particular," says Klaus Hofstätter, Managing Director of Hauser Kaibling.

Planai: New 8-seater chairlift “Mitterhausalm I” replaces 4-seater chairlift “Sonneck”

The new 8-seater chairlift “Mitterhausalm I” from Doppelmayr replaces the previous 4-seater chairlift “Sonneck” and provides a faster and more comfortable connection from Hauser Kaibling to the Planai. With a transport capacity of 3,000 passengers per hour and a travel time of just three minutes, waiting times are a thing of the past. Heated seats, covers and comfortable upholstery ensure maximum seating comfort even on cold days.

"With the two new lifts ‘Mitterhausalm I’ and ‘Senderbahn’, the ski swing connection between Planai and Hauser Kaibling has been enormously upgraded in both directions. These improvements are the result of our joint efforts to offer winter sports enthusiasts a comfortable and modern skiing experience," says Dir. Georg Bliem, Managing Director of Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen.

Picture credits: Thomas Kovacsics